How much does real-world practice matter compared to certifications when building skills?
Hi everyone, I’ve been spending time building skills through a mix of hands-on practice and certification preparation, and I’ve noticed there is often a gap between what exams test and what actually comes up in real scenarios. Certifications are useful for structure and validation, but in day-to-day work, troubleshooting, decision-making, and adapting to unexpected issues often seem just as important, sometimes even more. I’m interested in hearing how others here approach this and how they balance certification study with real-world practice. Did earning certifications help more in practical situations or mainly from a career and credibility point of view? And for someone early in their learning journey, what should be prioritized first?
The Next One - SC200 Courseware unusable
Hi All, we are trying to deliver SC200 course. Out MCTs tell us the courseware is not working at all. Video Links are not working eg. (Playback Error - We are sorry something went wrong) https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE4yiO5?rel=0&postJsllMsg=true https://www.microsoft.com/videoplayer/embed/RE4bOeh?rel=0 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE4bGqo?rel=0&postJsllMsg=true AHL Labs are not working because of cloud slice architecture We (the MCts) use hours to find out how the lab should work in ALH Labs. Missing Permissions Wrong Links I cannot find any contact to get answers to these issues? Can anyone give hints how to discuss these topic. Just to play ping-pong between ALH and "Content Creators" (1 Month Feedback Time) and getting no resolution doesn´t help here. Can you please get back to a working environment. (Full Azure Access, Real World Training Situations) Not a Video Here, a Simulation There. Regards, Mario
Strengthening Cloud Skills in the Community – Azure Training & Consulting
Hi everyone, I’m Haris Khurshid, a Microsoft Certified Trainer (MCT) specializing in Microsoft Azure. I deliver professional training and hands-on consulting across: AZ-104: Azure Administrator AZ-305: Azure Solutions Architect Expert AZ-140: Azure Virtual Desktop (AVD) Azure Migration & Modernization With extensive real-world experience, I help individuals and organizations build strong Azure skills, modernize infrastructure, and deploy scalable, secure cloud solutions. If you require training, a technical session, or Azure consulting services, feel free to reach out. Always happy to support the community. Warm regard Haris
What is the right forum for Courseware/Labs Support right now?
Hi All, we are trying to deliver SC200 course. Out MCTs tell us the courseware is not working at all. Video Links are not working eg. (Playback Error - We are sorry something went wrong) https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE4yiO5?rel=0&postJsllMsg=true https://www.microsoft.com/videoplayer/embed/RE4bOeh?rel=0 https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/videoplayer/embed/RE4bGqo?rel=0&postJsllMsg=true AHL Labs are not working because of cloud slice architecture We (the MCts) use hours to find out how the lab should work in ALH Labs. Missing Permissions Wrong Links I cannot find any contact to get answers to these issues? Can anyone give hints how to discuss these topic. Just to play ping-pong between ALH and "Content Creators" (1 Month Feedback Time) and getting no resolution doesn´t help here. Can you please get back to a working environment. (Full Azure Access, Real World Training Situations) Not a Video Here, a Simulation There. Regards, MarioMCT New and Renewing MCTs - Update July 26
Updated July 26, 2025 As we step into FY26 on July 1st, 2025, I want to share some important updates regarding the MCT Program—especially for those planning to renew. New Fees Coming October 2025, no exact date and the cost will be shared at a later date. Starting July 1st, 2025, we will introduce: A renewal fee (ecommerce tool will be available in October 2025 for everyone to renew) A new MCT enrollment fee (ecommerce tool will be available in October 2025 for new MCTs) Our systems are currently being updated to support this change, with the new tool expected to launch in October 2025. More to come on costs. Pricing will be region supported. Session Requirement for Renewal Effective January 1st, 2026, MCTs will be required to complete six (6) sessions or six (6) days of training per calendar year to qualify for renewal. For clarity on what qualifies as a session, please refer to the attached PDF: Mandatory Use of MTM We will be enforcing stricter requirements for using Metrics That Matter (MTM) to log sessions with your Training Services Partner (TSP). Please coordinate with your TSPs to ensure MTM is being used correctly. What to Expect Next More details on program costs will be shared closer to the tool’s release. All MCTs that were MCTs before manual enrollment have been extended through January 1st, 2026, with full benefits. You’ll see this extension reflected in your profile in your MCT Trainer History NOT active certification. All current MCTs will be able to renew when the tool is available in October 2025 and the requirement to renew will be to have an active certification and have taught one class since your last renewal and pay the renewal fee (costs to come later). We will be checking that you have taught the one class using MTM. New MCTs will need ISC certificate, one role-based active certification and pay the MCT new enrollment fee. New MCT Enrollment Process | Microsoft Learn 🙏 Thank you for your continued support and patience as we enhance our systems. Here’s to a successful and impactful FY26!
